Cloze Passage Quiz on GMOs

The residents of Cabaceiras primarily engage in small-scale vegetable farming, possessing specialized traditional knowledge that has been transmitted _____ hundreds of years.

• over

• through

• across

• along

• by

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'over' because it indicates a duration of time, suggesting that the knowledge has been passed down continuously for hundreds of years. The other options do not convey this sense of time effectively.

The inherent purity of Cabaceiras’ produce is currently threatened _____ one of the most contentious technological debates of the 21st century: genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

• from

• by

• with

• due to

• because

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'by' because it indicates the agent causing the threat to Cabaceiras' produce, which is the controversial issue of GMOs. Other options do not convey this causal relationship as effectively.

Historically, one of the last major agricultural exporters to uphold a GMO-free status, the Brazilian government has now decided to _____ the biotechnology sector to allow the sale of GM seeds to local farmers.

• sanction

• endorse

• facilitate

• mandate

• empower

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'mandate' because it indicates that the Brazilian government is officially requiring the biotechnology industry to sell GM seeds to farmers, reflecting a significant policy shift.

Many individuals in Brazil view the acceptance of genetically modified crops as a _____ decision.

• risky

• safe

• dangerous

• cautious

• prudent

Answer explanation

Many people in Brazil view the acceptance of transgenic crops as a risky move due to potential environmental and health concerns, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their long-term effects.

Which term can most accurately replace “income” in the context of the passage?

• revenue

• expenditure

• liability

• deficit

• cost

Answer explanation

The word 'revenue' is synonymous with 'income' as it refers to the total earnings generated, typically from business activities. The other options, such as 'expense' and 'debt', represent costs or liabilities, not income.

The phrase “come into line” most closely means:

• deviate

• conform

• oppose

• resist

• disregard

Answer explanation

The phrase 'come into line' means to conform or comply with a standard or expectation. Therefore, the correct answer is 'comply', as it reflects the idea of aligning oneself with rules or norms.

The term “stall” in the passage is most closely synonymous with:

• accelerate

• delay

• promote

• simplify

• approve

Answer explanation

The word 'stall' means to cause a delay or hold up progress. Among the answer choices, 'delay' is the closest in meaning, as it directly relates to the idea of slowing down or postponing an action.

According to European legislation, any produce that contains more than one percent of genetically modified ingredients must be labeled _____ as such.

• as

• like

• with

• by

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'as' because European law specifies that produce with over one percent of GM ingredients must be labeled 'as' containing GM ingredients, indicating the nature of the product clearly.

Worried that health and safety concerns were being neglected, ActionAid worked together with other non-governmental organizations to _____ GMOs, claiming that more research is needed.

• legalize

• ban

• promote

• study

• regulate

Answer explanation

ActionAid's collaboration with NGOs to address health and safety concerns indicates their desire to restrict GMOs. The word 'ban' aligns with their insistence on further research, contrasting with options like 'promote' or 'legalize'.